Espresso Martini
Espresso Martini's will never be considered 'trendy' in my mind - I'll be drinking these for the rest of my life.
Chilled espresso, good quality vodka (I prefer using Reyka), coffee liqueur (Mr. Black is the only option), and just enough sweetness to round everything out without turning it into dessert. Sharp, smooth, bitter, rich. It hits every note at once.
This version leans warmer and deeper thanks to the Brown Sugar Vanilla Simple Syrup, which softens the edges of the espresso and gives the drink a subtle caramel note beneath the coffee notes.
The dry shake first is the move here. It builds that thick, velvety foam that makes an espresso martini feel like an espresso martini—not just cold coffee in a coupe glass.
Get good at making this drink, and people will keep coming back!
Why You'll Love It
Balanced sweetness: Rich without becoming sugary
Velvety texture: The dry shake creates a thick foam top
Coffee-forward flavor: Espresso and Mr. Black keep it bold
Simple ingredients: Just four components
Feels elevated instantly: Minimal effort, major payoff
Ingredients
2 ounces, Vodka
2 ounces, Mr. Black
2 ounces, Espresso
Considerations
Fresh espresso matters: Freshly brewed espresso creates the best foam and flavor. Cold brew also works well!
Dry shake first: This is what gives you that signature creamy top layer.
Chill your glass: A cold glass keeps the texture and foam intact longer.
Shake harder than you think: The foam comes from aeration—commit to it.
Serving Suggestions
After dinner instead of dessert
Alongside dark chocolate
For dinner parties or date nights
As a “we’re staying out later than planned” cocktail
With salty snacks or a cheese board
Variations
Salted Espresso Martini: Add a tiny pinch of flaky salt to deepen the chocolate notes.
Creamier Version: Add a splash of heavy cream or Irish cream liqueur.
Orange Twist: Express an orange peel over the top before serving.
Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or Sweeten the Deal to the shaker.
Instructions
Add ingredients to shaker. In a cocktail shaker, combine espresso, vodka, Mr. Black, and Brown Sugar Vanilla Simple Syrup.
Dry shake. Shake vigorously without ice for about 15 seconds to build foam.
Add ice. Fill the shaker with ice and shake again until thoroughly chilled.
Strain. Double strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
Garnish. Garnish as desired—coffee beans, orange peel, or a light dusting of cocoa powder all work well.
